OPAL Center Methods Core

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Building upon the scientific infrastructure created by the initial OPAL Center’s Methods Core, in this renewal, the Methods Core will continue to be a source of innovative research momentum focusing on improving treatment and services for people living with schizophrenia across the lifespan. Through the synergistic combination of one-on-one consultations, research methods seminars, training workshops, and cross-unit meetings, the Methods Core is designed to support OPAL’s research projects to optimize the effectiveness of treatments and services in real-world clinical settings and examine implementation issues (e.g., feasibility, acceptability) critical for enhancing readiness for broad deployment. The Methods Core will pursue the following specific aims: Aim 1. Cultivate innovative research on treatments and services for schizophrenia that optimizes their effectiveness while reducing healthcare disparities in real-world clinical settings. Cross project methods which will be developed and supported include: causal mechanistic modeling for translational research, a health equity framework, and integration of cognitive health into medical and mental health services. Aim 2. Support the work of OPAL signature and exploratory projects and pilot studies by offering perspectives and skills from multiple disciplines, and offer ideas and assistance to ensure productive use of OPAL resources. The Methods Core will include two new units – 1) cognitive health and 2) ethnoracial inequities and social determinants – and five already-established units from the ongoing OPAL methods core: 3) data science (i.e. research design, causal and predictive modeling, data management); 4) qualitative methods; 5) clinical assessment and training; 6) technology/mHealth; and 7) ethics and human subjects. The Methods Core will respond to requests from the Administrative Core, especially with regard to evaluation of Center activities, or when the Administrative Core needs direction in solicitation or review of pilot study proposals. Aim 3. Challenge students and early stage investigators to build skills and experience in critically needed transdisciplinary areas of study, and provide on-going feedback on their work and career trajectories.